|
Aug. 16.
Whitehall. |
89. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Boyle. Reply to Aug. 11. Capt. Vetch's proposal is still under
our consideration, in order to our laying the same, with our
opinion upon it before H.M., which we shall do with as great
a dispatch as the nature and weight of such a matter will allow.
In the mean time, from what we have hitherto been able to
observe upon it, we think Capt. Vetch's proposal of such use
as to deserve incouragement. Wherefore, in regard it is necessary that it be duly examined and considered, and that in the
doing thereof, it may be proper from time to time to confer
with the proposer (of whom we have heard a good character),
as well while the same is before us, as when it shall fall
under H.M. further consideration, we are of opinion that he
be directed and incouraged to attend H.M. commands here in
relation to his said proposal. And having discoursed him as
to his stay here, we find that his attendance here will oblige
him to some charge, he having a wife and family at New
York, whither his occasions call him, and would be going
thither in company with the Lord Lovelace, if not required to
attend here. Nevertheless, if H.M. will graciously please to
allow him after the rate of 10/- day, so long as it shall be
found necessary to continue him here, he will rest satisfied
therewith, he proposing it only to enable him to subsist, and
not to capitulate any thing for himself. Autograph signatures.
2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1084. No. 38; and 324, 9. pp. 253, 254.] |
Aug. 16.
Whitehall. |
90. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend the appointment of Wm. Bird to the Council of Virginia.
[C.O. 5, 1362. pp. 300, 301.] |
Aug. 16.
Whitehall. |
91. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke.
Since our letter of June 25, we have received none from you,
however we cannot omit this oppertunity of acquainting you
according to your desire with such complaints as have been
laid before us. We are informed that at Antego the Gentlemen
Officers and soldiers are ill used; that strangers are made
officers over the heads of Gentlemen who had served many
years; that the soldiers are sent in private sloops to trade
without the officer's knowledge or consent; that the Assembly
upon three days sitting was dissolved only for addressing in
behalf of a poor woman, who had soldiers put into her house
to take possession of the same without law or reason. This
being the substance of what we have been informed of, we
shall expect from you a full and clear answer thereunto, with
such affidavits as you shall find necessary in your own justification, and as it will be for your interest, that nothing of
this kind may remain unclear'd, we are of opinion this our
letter be communicated to the Councill, and accordingly we
advise you to it, that if there be no grounds for the said
complaint, you may publickly make the same appear. And if
there be any persons who think they are aggriev'd or have
reason to complain, and are willing to make out the same, you
are to permit them to do it before the Councill, and to take
such affidavits relating thereto as they shall judge necessary,
whereby you will have an oppertunity of answering such complaint, and of transmitting the same to us. This we look
upon to be so much for your advantage and service, that we
cannot doubt of your ready complyance herewith. [C.O. 153,
10. pp. 189, 190.] |
Aug. 17.
Whitehall. |
92. W. Popple to Col. Romer. Encloses copy of stores
of war demanded for New Hampshire. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire you to give them an account of what
stores there were remaining there when you came from thence;
as likewise of what you think necessary to be sent. [C.O.
5, 913. pp. 4, 5.] |
Aug. 17.
Whitehall. |
93. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Board of
Ordnance. We desire you to let us have an account of what
Ordnance stores were last sent to New Hampshire. [C.O.
5, 913. p. 5.] |
Aug. 17.
Barbados. |
94. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In obedience to your Lordships' commands of Aprill
15th, I have made as strict an examination as I can into
the Affrican trade since June 24, 1698, and am sorry to tell
yr. Lordshipps that I can get but an imperfect acct. thereof,
by reason severall merchants, who had negroes consigned them
are either dead, or gon off with their books, and Messrs.
Heyshams ffactors has sent theirs home; so the inclosd paper is
the best that I could procure from those Gentlemen that remain,
by wch. your Lordships will perceive that negroes has been
since an open trade very dear here, the best from £30 to £40
each, and in an average amounts to about £23.8. per head,
there is little or no difference in the prices betwene what the
Company and private traders sold at the same time. By the
Navall Office list (wch. is the most correct), yr. Lordshipps will
perceive there has been 34,583 imported from June 24th, 1698–1708, of wch. 9006 by the Affrican Compa., wch. is above ¼,
and the whole makes but 3458 per annum. Whereas to keep
up the present stock of this Isld. computed at 52,000, and
7 per cent. per annum the common decreas amounts to 3640, so
that if there is not a greater supply, negroes will rather advance
than lower their prices; the want whereof occasions above ¼
of the lands lying uncultivated, and there is not ten plantations
fully handed. When the Company had the sole trade to Affrica,
negroes indeed were much cheaper here, and I find these reasons
for it. (1) They could slave on the coast on their own terms,
whereas the separate traders goeing there, advanced the price
from £4 to £10 per head. (2) The produce of this Island' was
then more advantagious in returns, bills of exchange goeing
at parr, but rarely above 10 p.c., whereas now they pay 30
to 35 (3) The high premio on insurance and loss by the
warr, many shipps haveing miscarryed. (4) As the Collonies
increas so doth the demand for negroes, wch. has drain'd
the coast, so that now they are forced to be supply'd at a
greater charge from the inland countries. |
|
By the accompt of the 10 p.c. yr. Lordships will find whatt
trade has been drove from hence to Affrica, and that of 111
vessells loaden here since Dec. 9, 1698, only 18 has been on
the Companies account, and those in the late years when the
Compa. perceiv'd the separate traders began to neglect it. I
find only Messrs. Carter and Harbin amongst the traders here
that still continew it on their own acct., and that so little
that 'tis not worth mentioning. I have consulted wth. severall
of the principall planters and antient inhabitants, and find
they are of opinion the plantations can never be well supply'd but by a united stock, for any little discouragemt. to
private traders may occasion their desisting, and then the
Collonies must suffer, as is evident in these two last years;
only one small shipp and two sloops has arriv'd on the private
traders' account with 350 negros, whereas to keep up the
number now on the Island, and supply what are wanting we
should have at least 5000 per annum, but except a Compa.
have a sufficient stock, and oblidg'd to transport such a number
yearly to the Collonies, it may prove of very dangerous consequence. Signed, M. Crowe. Endorsed, Recd. 19th, Read Nov.
23rd, 1708. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
94. i. Account of negroes imported into Barbados, since
June 24, 1698, (a) by private traders, 7218, sold for
£159, 138. 6. 8., + 1362 negroes consigned to John
Grove, who "would give noe acct. of ye sales, being a
Quaker." (b) imported by the Royal African Company
1700–1708, 5982 negroes sold for £156,425. 7. 6. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 19, 1708. 2 pp. |
|
94. ii. Naval Officer's List of negroes imported into Barbados, June 24, 1698—Dec. 1707, 34,583. Same endorsement. 1¼ pp. |
|
94. iii. Account of the 10 p.c. duty on negroes imported
into Barbados, Dec. 9, 1698—June 30, 1708. Total,
£7443. 2. 9. The African Company paid no duty, but
the total includes what the duty would have amounted
to. Names of ships given. Same endorsement. 3 pp.
[C.O. 28, 11. Nos. 23, 23. i–iii.; and (without enclosures) 29, 11. pp. 319–323.] |
Aug. 17.
Barbados. |
95. Governor Crowe to the Earl of Sunderland. Encloses
copy of following. Unlesse there be two convoys yearely from
England, and new Orders to H.M. men of warr, this place
cannot subsiste. I hope Mr. Coxes letter has fully satisfied
your Lordship etc. Signed, M. Crowe. Holograph. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
95. i. Duplicate of part of following letter. [C.O. 28, 38.
Nos. 71, 71. i.] |
Aug 18.
Barbados. |
96. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Acknowledges letters of May 14 and June 25. The last Assembly was not dissolved, but fell in cource, their year being
expired, neither had I any difference with them, it was the
Members of the Councell and they, that could not agree about
the bill of excise, so that I perceive your Lordships misapprehended that matter. I have not only often recommended to
them the necessity of raising money to compleat Fort St. Ann,
and dischargeing the debts and accrueing charges of the Island,
but put them into a method of raising funds for the same,
wch. is now under their consideration, and most of the publick
accompts stated. The Fleete arriv'd here on the 8th past, it's
allmost loaden and will be ready to sail in 20 days, their
passing the Maderas is a great disappointment, not only to
the publick (for the Customes commonly amounted from 5 to
£7000) but wine, wch. is the common drink here, and used to
be sold for 15 is now 35 per pipe. Except two convoys be
allow'd annually as was appointed, the planters will not be
able to hold their estates, for the shipps per last will not be
able to carry off the crop, wch. makes ye masters stand on
high ffraights, now demand 12s. 6d. p.c. and good sugar may
be bought at that rate, above 3000 hhds. will be left in the
store-houses. I cannot but observe to your Lordshipps the
inconveniencie that may happen by the Parliament's takeing
away the Governor's power of pressing men for H.M. shipps.
The Prince has given orders to the men of warr yt. attend
this Island (notwithstanding any former orders) to return to
England when the shipp's company by sickness or otherwise
shall be so far reduc'd, that there remains but men enough to
carry them home, (wch. is left to the Capt.'s discretion), so
that if they should happen in a cruice to meet wth. an enemie
that destroys them any number of men, or by sickness or by
any other accident disabled, the Isld. will be left without anything to guard it; so that two French sloops will take all
our Northern trade and starve us. Neither has the country
money or credit to fitt out vessells, it now pays to Mr. Roberts
20 p.ct. for the intrest of whatt he disburst on the three
sloops that were sent to look after Ducass. |
|
A list of Pattent Offices:—The Attorney Generall has not
been in one year, so can give no annual vallew theirof; The
Register in Chancery, £500; the Provost Marshall, £400; Navall
Office, £300; Clarke of the Crown, £70; Clarke of the Market,
£80. Signed, M. Crowe. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25, Read Dec.
3, 1708. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
96. i. Copy of Address of the Assembly of Barbados, to
Governor Crowe, Sept. 4, 1708. Reply to complaints
of three Members of Council as to his male-administration in detail. There has not been so general a
satesfaction and so much quiet in this Island for 4
years. The principall grounds for dissatisfaction
remaining are, (1) Poverty owing to the paper bills,
and the late arbitrary government of Sir B. Granville,
wch. has made several hundreds of the inhabitants
leave. (2) A full inquiry has not yet been made into
the bribery and corruption by wch. that paper money
was forced upon us, (3) or into the villainous treatment of Major Lillington and Col. Downes. (4) The
grievous extortions in the Register's Office of the Court
of Chancery are not yet reformed. (5) The simonaicall disposall of Church liveings in the time of Sir
B. Granville are not yet enquired into. Signed, William
Grace, Clk. of Assembly. Endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. |
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96. ii. List of Baptisms and Burials. |
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Parishes. |
Baptisms. |
Burials. |
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St. Michaels from May 23, 1707 to Aug. 1708 |
110 |
146 |
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St. Josephs " May, 1707 " |
25 |
6 |
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Christ Church " June 24, 1707 " |
65 |
39 |
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St. Peters " June, 1707 " |
32 |
38 |
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St. Lucys " Jan., 1708 " |
51 |
12 |
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St. Georges " June, 1707 " |
12 |
35 |
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St. Thomas " May, 1708 " |
3 |
5 |
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St. James " May, 1707 " |
25 |
21 |
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St. Andrews " Aug., 1707 " |
20 |
10 |
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St. Philips " May, 1707 " |
106 |
29 |
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St. Johns " Sept., 1707 " |
19 |
22 |
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Same endorsement. ¾ p. |
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96. iii. Abstracts of causes determined in Courts of Common
Pleas, April-Aug. 1708. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25,
1708. 58 pp. [C.O. 28, 11. Nos. 40, 40. i–iii.; and
(without enclosures) 29, 11. pp. 343–347.] |
Aug. 18.
Kensington. |
97. Order of Queen in Council. Alexander Skeen is dismissed from the post of Secretary of Barbados. Cf. July 8.
Signed, Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 15th, Read
Oct. 25, 1708. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 11. No. 13; and 29, 11.
pp. 298–299.] |
Aug. 18.
Kensington. |
98. Order of Queen in Council. Appointing Wm. Bird
to the Council of Virginia. A warrant to be prepared accordingly.
Signed, Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 15, Read
Oct. 25, 1708. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 4; and 5, 1362.
pp. 301–303.] |
| Aug. 18. |
99. Mr. Solicitor General to Mr. Popple. Reply to Aug. 11.
I am of opinion that the Repeal of ye Antego Act dos not make
void the Nevis Act. For the Act wch. passed ye Generall Assembly at Nevis subsist by the authority of that Assembly,
and is not to be look'd upon to be dependent on the Antego
Act. When ye authority that made it to be a Law in the
Leeward Islands, or the Queen shall think fit expressly to repeal
it, it will determine. But till then I shall looke upon it to
be in force. Signed, Jas. Mountague. Endorsed, Recd. 18th,
Read 20th Aug., 1708. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 7.
No. 53; and 153, 10. pp. 192, 193.] |
| Aug. 18. |
100. Memorial from Mr. Dummer concerning the Act for
encourageing Trade to America. The limmiting clause is, No
molestation whatsoever between Rio de la Hatch and River
Chagre, or within 5 leagues at sea of any part of that shore—to any sloop, etc.—Coleby's expedition is a breach of this Law,
the effect whereof has broaken the private trade of Jamaica to
that part of the Continent in a very great degree, and if not
remedied will preclud it wholly. The remedy to retrieve the
said trade is, that all privateers who shall cruize to leward
of River de la Hatch, be charged with instructions annex'd
to their Commissions of the conditions underwritten upon securityes unquestionable (1) That they shall attack and take
no other ship, on that coast, but such as shall be mann'd
and sailed with French men; preserving the ship's company
to evidence the lawfullness of the capture. (2) That in case
they take or destroy any Spanish coasting vessell mann'd with
Spanyards on the said shore, carrying coastwise the manufactures of Europe, that then they shall be subject to the
penalty of paying to the Spanyard the double value in the
same species they shall so take or destroy. And the coppyes
of such instructions being sent to the Spanyard will revive the
trade. Subscribed in another hand:—N.B. Add another instruction viz., That no goods of the growth, product or manufacture [? of H.M. Dominions. Ed.] brought in by any privateer, shall be accounted lawfull prize. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Aug 18, 1708. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 8. No. 16; and 138, 12. pp.
318, 319.] |
Aug. 18.
Kensington. |
101. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 27, Read Nov. 12, 1708.
¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
101. i. Edward Jones to the Queen. Charges against Lt.
Governor Bennett, as supra. Copy. 30½ pp. [C.O.
37, 8. Nos. 71, 71. i.; and 38, 6. pp. 424–431.] |
Aug. 18.
Kensington. |
102. Order of Queen in Council. John Peek is appointed
to the Council of Jamaica. A warrant to be prepared accordingly.
Signed, Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 25th Oct.,
1708. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 137, 8. No. 19; and 138, 12. pp. 327, 328.] |
Aug 18.
Kensington. |
103. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Additional Instruction to Governor Handasyd relating to escheats (See July
30). Signed and endorsed as preceding. ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 8.
No. 20; and 138, 12. pp. 328, 329.] |
Aug. 18.
Kensington. |
104. Order of Queen in Council. Mr. Lewis Morris is
appointed to the Council of New Jersey, instead of John Harrison
(See July 1). Signed, Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 15th
Sept.. Read 25th Oct., 1708. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 970. No. 79;
and 5, 994. p. 464.] |
Aug. 19.
Kensington. |
105. H.M. Additional Instruction to Governor Lord Lovelace.
You are to admit Lewis Morris to Our Council of New Jersey,
and also to cause him to resume his former place therein. etc.
[C.O 5, 210. p. 113.] |
Aug. 19.
Tunbridge Wells. |
106. Mr. Way to Mr. Popple. Recommends Mr. Hotchkyn
to supply a vacancy in the Council of Jamaica. Signed, Benj.
Way. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 21, 1708. Holograph. Addressed.
Postmark. ½ p. [C.O. 137, 8. No. 17.] |
Aug. 20.
New York. |
107. Governor Lord Cornbury to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Since I wrote to your Lordshippes by the Elisabeth gally, one Sylvanus Grevill Master, bound from this port
to Bristol, by which I acknowledged the receit of your letters
of June, 1707, I have not been favoured with any letters from
your Lordshipps. Since that ship sailed, I have been up at
Albany in the hottest season of the year, which made my
voyage very uneasy as well as dangerous for health, but having
been informed by the Commissioners for Indian affairs that
the Sachems of the Five Nations had sent them word that
they would be at Albany by July 15, and that they desired
I would meet them at that time, I immediately ordered a sloop
to be got ready, and notwithstanding the heat of the weather
which was excessive (it being the hottest summer I have yet
felt since I came into America), I got to Albany on July 16.
None of the Sachems were then come, but the next day one
Kunasore, who is the chief Sachem of the Onondagos, and
Cagnaquinny, one of the chief Sachems of the Oneides, with
three other Indians came to towne, and hearing that I was
there, they came to me and told me that they came to bid
me welcome to Albany, that they had noe businesse, but came
only to trade, I asked them where the rest of the Sachems
were; they told me they were busy in making canoes, at a
place which they named, and is 160 miles from the first of the
Mohacks' Castles, consequently 200 miles from the towne of
Albany, I asked them if they knew when the Sachems intended
to be at Albany, and if they knew of a message the Sachems
had sent to the Commissioners for the Indian Affairs, they
said they did believe the Sachems did intend to be at Albany
in a month's time, but they were not sure; that they had
heard that the Mohacks had sent a message to the Com
missioners, but that they did not know of any time appointed
for their coming. I desired them to send one of their young
men to the Sachems to know when they would come, which they
did, and he being returned told me that the Sachems were
at work upon their canoes, and that they could not come
till they had finished them, which would be about a month,
upon that I resolved to return to New York, where the Assembly were to meet upon August 18, but I must acquaint
your Lordshipps that during my stay at Albany, twelve of
the farr Nations of Indians came to trade with our people,
there are two Nations of them who are called Twigtwicks and
Dionondadees, the nearest of their Castles is 800 miles from
Albany, I have been these five years endeavouring to get those
Nations to trade with our people, but the french have always
dissuaded them from coming till this year, and this year,
goods being very scarce, they came to Albany, where our people
have suplyed them with goods much cheaper than ever the
french did, and they have promised me to return in spring
with a much greater number of their Nations, which will be
a very great advantage to this Province; I did, in a letter
of June 25, inform your Lordshipps that three french souldiers,
who had deserted from the french at a place called by them
Le Destroit, were come to Albany, while I was at Albany,
another deserter came from the same place, whom I examined
my self, and I send here inclosed a copy of his examination,
by which your Lordshipps will perceive how easily the french
may be beaten out of Canada, I did send a proposall for that
purpose to the late Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations in 1702. The better I am acquainted with this country,
and the more I enquire into matters, soe much the more I
am confirmed in my opinion of the facillity of effecting that
conquest, and by the method I then proposed, to which I
refer; the advantages that would attend that matter are very
many, and perticularly this, that Newfoundland will be a very
easy conquest after Canada is reduced, what an advantage the
having all Newfoundland would be to England I believe everybody sensible of, and that that would be the certain consequence
of reducing Canada, is most true; besides this deserter, there
is come to Albany one Montour, who is the son of a french
Gentleman, who came above 40 years agoe to settle in Canada,
he had to doe with an Indian woman, by whom he had a son
and two daughters, the man I mention is the son, he has
lived all along like an Indian, some time agoe he left the
french, and has lived among the farr Indians, and it is chiefly
by his means that I have prevailed with those farr Nations
to come to Albany, he has given me the same account of
Canada that the deserter did; the regular forces in Canada
consist of 28 companys of foot, at their first coming they
were fiftys, but now by death and desertion the strongest of
them is but 22, some 16, most of them 12 or 14, Canada is
now governed by one Monsieur de Vaudreuil, under him one
Monsieur de Ramsay commands at Montreal, which is the
upper part of Canada, in which the whole number of men
does not exceed 800, Quebec, which is the lower part and much
the larger part of Canada, has near 3000 men in all, soe
that the whole strength of Canada does not amount to 5000
men including the Regular forces, Quebec is fortify'd with sodd
work, but now they have begun to fortify with stone, they doe
it by degrees, every year some, soe that if they are not disturbed,
in four or five years they will have finished their work, which
will make the reducing that place much more difficult then it
is now. I have often by letters informed the late Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations of the necessity of having
presents sent over from England for the five Nations of Indians;
without which it is impossible to keep them firm to the Crowne
of England, they have had noe presents since the first year
that I came hither, which is above six years agoe; I have
proposed it to the Assembly, which is now sitting, to raise
a fund for presents for them this fall, I can't yet tell if I
shall prevail with them or not, but if they doe not raise such
a fund, I am afraid we shall loose the Indians before next
summer. I have endeavoured to convince them of the necessity
of the thing, therefore I am in hopes they will doe it. About
£400 sterling, well laid out every other year in England, would
furnish presents enough to keep the Indians firm to the interest
of England, and I don't at all question but if that were
allowed, I could debauch a great many of the French Indians
from them. I intreat your Lordshipps will please to recommend
this matter soe effectually to my Lord High Treasurer that it
may be obtained. I was in hopes to have sent you by this
conveyance the Minutes of Councill and Assembly from the
time of my arrivall in this Province, but the Clerks have not
been able to get them ready, the Virginia fleet sailing much
sooner then was expected, but as soon as possibly they can
be done, they shall be transmitted etc. Signed, Cornbury.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 9, 1708. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O.
5, 1049. No. 97; and 5, 1121. pp. 349–355.] |
Aug. 23.
Whitehall. |
108. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend that John Hallett be appointed to the Council of Barbadoes. [C.O. 29, 11. p. 297.] |
Aug. 23.
Antigua. |
109. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have obeyed yr. Lpps. orders to the utmost of my
power and have sent the best acctt. I can gett of what negroes
have been imported into my Government so far back as could
be procured. The Agent for Antigua before Feb. 170½ is dead,
and Sr Tho. Cook in London is his Executer. Inclosed is an
acctt from Mr. Chester who has acted as Agent ever since.
There has no negroes been imported from the Company to
Nevis since I came, and their Agent before my time is dead,
and his widdow has, or pretends has, lost the books when the
French took the Island. The private traders are either dead
or gone of the Island that were before my time, since my
time there has been a smal vessell wth. abt. 180, but the master
yt. sold them was lost in returning home. I can't learn that
the Compa. ever had an Agent at St. Christophers, there has
not any been imported in my time, and those merchants that
imported any before are eighther dead or gone off the Island,
and their books lost by the invasion or hurricane. Col. Fry
is the Comp.'s Agent at Montserat. I sent to him the first
opertunity I had after I had yr. Ldpps. Orders, but as yet
have no answer, nor have I any from the Lt. Governor what
has been imported by private trade, the number I am informed
is inconsiderable on eighther side. There has been since my
time but three ships and one briganteen fitted from my Governmt.
for that trade, two by the Compa.'s Agent, and two by private
traders, two of wch. arrived safe, the other two 'tis fear'd
are lost. Signed, Daniel Parke. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25,
Read Dec. 7, 1708. Holograph. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
109. i. Negroes imported from Africa to Antigua, by private
traders June 24, 1698–Dec. 25, 1707,—4945. Details
given. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 23, 1708. 1 p. |
|
109. ii. Negroes imported into Antigua by the Royal African
Company, June 24, 1698-Dec. 25, 1707.—1805. Details given. Endorsed as preceding. ½ p. |
|
109. iii. Edward Chester's Account of sales of negroes imported into Antigua by the Royal African Company,
Feb. 2, 170½-Aug. 26, 1707. Names of purchasers and
prices given in detail. Number of slaves imported:—2178. 11 pp. [C.O. 152, 7. Nos. 64, 64. i.–iii.; and
(without enclosures) 153, 10. pp. 228–230.] |
Aug. 23.
Whitehall. |
110. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Propose Valentine Mumby for the Council of Jamaica, in the room
of Mr. Ascough, he "having been recommended to us by the
merchants here as a person of a considerable estate in that
Island, well affected to your Majesty's Government, and long
resident there," etc. [C.O. 138, 12. p. 320.] |
Aug. 23.
Whitehall. |
111. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Handasyd.
Since our letter to you of Aug. 13, we have further consider'd
your complaint of the great obstruction which our privateers
have given to our trade with the Spanish nation in the West
Indies, and have received the like complaint from some eminent
merchants here who are concerned in that trade. Whereupon
we observe that such pernicious practices, contrary to H.M.
express Instructions were committed before the Act for the
encouragement of the trade to America, sent you May 14, could
reach Jamaica, and do hope that since the publication of that Law
there the like mischiefs have been and will be prevented for
the future. Yet we think it our duty to H.M. once more to
let you know how much we were dissatisfy'd with such practises,
tending to the prejudice of a trade much more beneficial to
this nation then whatever can be gained by privateering in
those parts. We therefore strictly recommend it to you that
all possible care be taken in the most effectual manner to prevent
the like for the time to come. In order whereunto, you are
amongst other things to communicate this our letter to the
Members of the Councill there, and to such others as you shall
judge proper, and exhort them in their severall stations to do
what in them ly's to detect, discourage and prevent all such
unlawfull privateering contrary to the said Act; in which Act
there is a clause whereby all trade with the Spaniards between
Rio la Hacha and the River Chagré, and within 5 leagues at
sea of any part of that shore, is to be free and unmolested.
This you are in the most proper manner to make known to
all who are any wise concerned therein, and at the same time
to signify to ym. that whoever shall presume to act contrary
to the express directions and provisions in that Law (which'
has been judg'd necessary to our carrying on so proffitable a
trade with the Spaniards on that coast) every such offender will
not only incur H.M. highest displeasure, but be further punish'd with the utmost rigour of Law. For notwithstanding
the want of an express penalty in that clause, every breach
of a Law is punishable at Common Law at the discretion of the
Court, upon an information to be exhibitted in the name of
the Queen's Attorney Generall. We are sensible that when a
prize is brought into Port in order to an adjudication in the
Court of Admiralty (as the Law directs) it will be difficult
to prove whether such capture was made within the said limmitts
or not, without a discovery thereof by some of the captors'
crew, or unless the captor be required to preserve and bring
into Port some of the ship or vessell's company so made prize
to evidence the lawfulness of the capture, which last mentioned method you may lawfully require to be strictly observed
by all persons concerned in privateering within your Government, and we do expect that you give such an Instruction to
them accordingly. As a further remedy against such unlawfull
practices at present we see no objection to the making some
provision for an Act to be passed the next Session of Parliament
whereby no goods or merchandizes of the growth, product or
manufacture of any of H.M. Dominions, brought by any ship
of war, privateer or letter of marque, main, into any Port of
America, except in the case of recapture, or of a French prize,
shall be accounted lawfull prize, which we conceive will effectually put a stop to all illegal and pernitious captures contrary
to the said Act. But this we only mention, that in case you
have any just objection thereto you may acquaint us with it.
It will be convenient that in the best manner you can, timely
notice be given to the Spaniards upon that coast of the due
care that is taken not to molest them in their trade with
the Queen's subjects, and that in case any damage shall at
any time be done to them, that upon complaint made to you
they will receive due satisfaction, which we hope will remove
whatever discouragement in that trade they may at present
lye under. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 321–324] |
| [Aug. 23.] |
112. Order of Queen in Council, Aug. 17, 1704. Confirming
Revenue Act of Jamaica. Signed, William Blathwayt. Endorsed, Recd. 29th July, Read Aug. 23, 1708. 1¾ pp. [C.O.
137, 8. No. 18; and 138, 12. pp. 325, 326.] |
Aug. 24.
Whitehall. |
113. Mr. Popple to Mr. Solicitor General. Encloses for
his opinion an Act of Nevis, Feb. 23, 170¾, for the establishing
of Courts. The inhabitants and planters in those parts were
so well satisfyed of the usefulness of this Law that at a Generall
Assembly of all the Leeward Islands held in June, 1705, the
same has been enacted to be in force throughout all the said
Islands etc. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 193, 194.] |
Aug. 24.
Office of Ordnance. |
114. Board of Ordnance to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Enclose following (cf. Aug. 17). We have sent at
severall times stores to New England, from whence supplys
might have been sent to New Hampshire, but wee received no
account thereof. Signed, C. Musgrave, Wm. Bridges, Ja. Craggs.
Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read 26th Aug., 1708. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
114. i. List of Stores of War sent to New Hampshire, July
30, 1692. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 864. Nos. 237, 237. i.; and
(without enclosure) 5, 913. p. 6.] |
Aug. 24.
Whitehall. |
115. W. Popple to Lord Baltimore. The Council of Trade
and Plantations having long expected that your Lordship and
Mr. Penn should have come to some agreement relating to
the boundaries between the Provinces of Maryland and Pensilvania, their Lordships have commanded me to acquaint your
Lordship, as also Mr. Penn, that unless the said agreement
be made and layd before their Lordships on or before Oct. 12,
they shall be obliged without delay to make their report to
H.M. thereupon, as the same does now lye before them. [C.O.
5, 727. pp. 53, 54.] |
Aug. 24.
Antigua. |
116. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I shall in the best manner possible have the two Laws sent
me publish'd in each of the Islands, and take care pursuant
to yr. orders, to put them in execution, though I shall have
something to doe to make them observe the law for regulateing
ye coine, for of late they have brought out all theyr light
money and they take some pieces of eight for six shillings,
which I believe the intrinsick value is not two, this will exasperate them, soe that I shall despaire of getting anything
for house-rent that was due to me before I had your last
instructions, the people begin now to be satisfied, the Councill
have taken pains to satisfie them ye grievances they pretended
in takeing Mrs. Hastings' house, and putting in soldiers was
false, they brought severall yt. was told by Codrington's Caball,
I had taken the house she lived in, and have show'd them it
Hutt, which is litle bigger then a centry box and show'd them it
stood on the Towne land, and satisfied them the soldiers could
not live on this dear Island except they had quarters, and
that the Assembly woud not allow quarters, except I passed
Laws, yt. I coud not justifie, show'd them the records, to
justifie them that the not swearing Mr. Perry, he being noe
freeholder where he was chose, was according to the ancient
custome, used from the very first Assembly downe to the late
Coll. Coddrington's time, and then they made a law to enable
anyone to be chose, which law was rejected at home, soe the
same method was to be followed, which was before that Law.
The Councill have taken soe much pains to satisfie the people,
that they assure me yt. in the next Assembly few or none of
Coddrington's party will be chose. They all begin to be satisfied that 'tis only a tricke to gett me out, and Codrington in,
they employ one Nivine, an impudent North Brittish lawyer,
and he and this Perry and Tankard makes feasts and getts
men drunke, and then getts them to signe a paper they call
articles, against me without knowing one word of them, as
severall of them have confessed; others that have more sense
they tye by giveing them an oath not to divulge them, a
deposition relateing thereto I here send you; some of my friends
gott one of them drunke and asked him the Articles, he told
them one was I had traded wth. the French. Now I can
prove by the oaths of each man that ever went with a flagg
of truce, that directly nor indirectly, in my owne name nor any
others, that ever I had goeing or coming, any more then a
hogshead of clarratt for my owne table in each flagg of truce,
and that I pay'd for in ready money, the Collector and Wayters
will swear that I from my first comeing order'd them to search
all flaggs of truce. I have taken all the care possible to
prevent it, and I believe that is the true grievance, for my
predecessor, Col. Johnson, suffer'd it publickly, and has had
himselfe six hoggsheads at a time. I order'd one Peuch to be
prosecuted for carryeing 50 barrills of beef, but there came noe
evidence against him, the Collector tells me he has search'd them
in the harbour, and he has been informed the sloope has gone
into another bay, and there they have sent beefe on board in
the night, there is noe way to prevent it, but by breakeing
the Cartell, and that the Councell tells me will ruine the
Island. This Peuch was the man that was used to be sent
up before my time, soe I continued him, but since I heard
of his carryeing up beefe, I never have sent him nor never
will for the future, though he pretends the beefe was in the
sloope before she was press'd, and one Montegroe one of theyr
richest merchants had sworne it, and that she was designed
for Montserratt, and that they never designed to sell it in
Martinecoe. I thanke God I can prove my innocency, that
I neither had directly, nor indirectly, anything to doe with it,
nor knew anything of it untill I had an acctt. from sayd
Peuch that a french privateer had robbed him of it goeing
to Martinecoe, and that it was not designed to be sold there;
I heare another article is, Mr. Chester swears he gave me a
bribe of 20 pistoles for a Register. I never had any gold
or silver of him on any account in my life, it seems he calls
20 barrells of damnified flower 20 pistoles, the story is this,
he has had a briganteen and sloopes registred as by the records
will apear at severall times, and I never tooke soe much as
my fee, which is two pieces of eight, but some litle time after
the Hurricane all provisions being scarce, I sent about the
towne to buy some biskett, or flower for my negroes, but cou'd
not buy any. Mr. Chester came to me one morneing, and told
me he had some flower damnified wth. salt water, the best of
which he had disposed of, and perhaps in this scarce time
my negroes might make shift with it, and if I pleas'd to
trye he would lett me have tenn barrills. I asked him the
prise, he told me it was soe bad he could set noe price, he
wou'd put it on board my privateer sloope, to carry it to
St. Kitts, accordingly he did, and when it came there, it was
soe bad it was not worth my lawfull fee for one register, but
to my very good fortune there was one Mr. Roache a merchant
by; who is ready to depose upon oath what is here set downe
is true, and that there was not one word of register, or any
thinge like it, and by examineing the Record, I find that Mr.
Chester very often registers sloopes and vessells, he had not
registred any for severall weekes before or after he made me
a compliment of these tenn barrills of flower, which were
worth just nothing; An other article as I hear is, that I
traded to Curascoa. I doe assure your Ldpps. I have never
traded for any kind of thing. I have settled a plantation at
St. Kitts. I thinke a shepherd will not be the less carefull for
haveing sheepe of his owne in the fflocke, soe that I hope my
haveing hired a plantation will not be imputed a crime, if
it be, I have been justly punished by loss of negroes and
the hurricane, what I have sent for the use of my plantation,
I employed one Mr. Rawleigh to deliver out to them, if he has
to much of one thing, he disposes of it for some other thing
that is wanting as every manager of a plantation does, and this
consists only in 5 or 600 yards of cotton, and as much osenbrigs and blew linnen, and hoes, axes and bills and other tools.
I hope this cant be called trade, and for sending to Curacoa,
this is the story, at the request of the inhabitents, I fitted out
a privateer as much to gratifie them as any profit I expected,
she never tooke but a briganteen, loaden with ginger and sugar,
both vessell and cargoe was sold for £700, since she has taken
some negroes of Mary Gallante and Martinecoe, she was soe
run out of repaire, she cou'd not be fitted here, I was advised
to put some of the prize ginger and sugar on board her
and send her to be fitted to Curacoa, which I did, but
gave strickt orders to the master to bring noe goods
backe. And if the ginger and sugar sold for more then fitted
the sloope to bring money backe, and I order'd the Collector
to see that nothing was carryed in her or brought backe but
what might lawfully be done, it soe happned that the sugar and
ginger sold for less then the fitting the sloope came to, soe
that she brought neither money nor any other thing, to the
truth of this I can have the depositions of the master and
all the crew, and the Collector who sent on board; the same
sloope has now spranke her mast, and because she must be
sent to the northward to get a new one, none being to be had
here, I have let her to a merchant, and have nothing to doe
with her lading, and when fitted have order'd him to sell her
as alsoe another privateer, resolveing for the future not to
give the least pretences for sayeing I traded, what the privateers
tooke, and what has been seized have been sold, they cant call
that trade, all this has been done by others for me, soe that
it has taken up noe part of my time, these are what I can
learne, except what the Assembly mentioned about Mrs. Hastings, which I thinke suffitiently answerd by the Councill and
myselfe as apeares by the minutes, but if your Lordshipps
thinks not, I will be at the charge of sending the Towne Platt,
and the Law and 40 depositions to justifie me as to that.
They may make what articles they please, they may say I have
cloven feet and 20 other things, but I am soe very confident
of my actions both publicke and private, that I am very sure
I can answer to your Lordpps. everything alledged against
me, I desire only a faire tryall, after that I have noe doubt
but I shall be justified, and that twill be mad apear I have
taken more pains to see justice done and in makeing workes
for theyr defence then any of my predecessours. And had it
not been for this faction, myselfe and the whole Island's
had been very happy, if I shou'd be removed, 'twill be the
same thing wth. my successour, lett whoe will come. I have
defended myselfe much better then Sir William Mathews, he
had noe honey-moon, for he was scarce a month before they
quarrell'd with him, and perfectly broke his heart. I have with
a great deale of care kept myselfe quiet for two year, Coll.
Codrington was exasperated more then ordinary because I had
orders from my Lord Treasurer to sue him for a great summ
paid him for prizes last warr, and had Mr. Parkhurst delivered
me the originall papers, I had recover'd it of him before now.
I had them sent by this packett, and now he is in Barbados,
if he comes downe I don't doubt but recover it, soe that 'tis
worth his while be at some expense to remove me. The Councill
advised me to gett Gent. of the Countrey to signe an adress
in my behalfe, and has engaged for every one that has signed
articles against me, three wou'd signe for me, which I refused, for it lookes like apealing to the people. I thought
if they themselves gave it me under theyr hands, 'twould not
be amiss. The which I here send you. I depend upon my
own inocency more then anything else, the Councill have sent
a letter to the Agent to the same purpose, a duplicate of
which I alsoe send, here is alsoe an Address, which we desire
may be presented. Signed, Daniel Parke. 6 pp. Endorsed,
Recd. Nov. 25th, Read Dec. 7, 1708. Enclosed, |
|
116. i. Deposition of Major Samuel Wickham. Edward Perrie, Commissioner of Customs, explained to him, as
a Member of the Assembly, that the Articles of complaint against the Generall were being prepared secretly,
in order that he might not be able to make too great a
defence etc. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25, 1708. Copy. 1 p. |
|
116. ii. Address of the Lt. Governor and Council of Antigua
to Governor Parke. Express surprize and concern at
the many attempts being made to secure signatures to
an Address and Articles of complaints against H.E.
The particulars are kept secret. But none could know
the transactions of H.E. better than the Council, who
do not know of any male administration he has committed. The proceedings of these people has much
disturbed the Government and divided the Island into
factions, etc. St. Johns, Antigua, Aug. 24, 1708.
Signed, John Yeamans, Jno. Hamilton, Edw. Byam,
Will. Codrington, Thomas Morris, Geo. Gamble, Will.
Byam, Law. Crabb. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. |
|
116. iii. Same to Richd. Carey, Agent for Antigua. Directing him to oppose the Articles intended to be exhibited
against Governor Parke as in preceding. Signed and
endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. |
|
116. iv. Address of the Governor, Lt. Governor and Council
of Antigua to the Queen. Congratulate H.M. on the
defeat of the late attempt on H.M. Kingdoms by the
French King under the masque of the pretended Prince
of Wales. Signed, Daniel Parke and as preceding.
Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 7. Nos. 65,
65. i.–iv.; and (without enclosures) 153, 10. pp. 230–239.] |
Aug. 24.
Antigua. |
117. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I herewith send your Ldpps. the remaining Minutes
of the Council and Assembly of Antigua, with the coppy of the
Law they were so angry I would not pass, by wch. I have
lost my last years sallary for house rent. Your Ldpps. will
see by their Law for previlege they would both imprison and
fine anyone that should reflect on any one of their House,
but any of the Council, the Lt. Governor, or myselfe might
be reflected on with impunety: I offer'd to pass these laws if
amended, provided there might be a clause that they should
not take place untill yr. Ldpps.' aprobation were known, wch. is
pursuant to my Instructions, for I take this to be a law
of an extraornary nature. This has been Col. Codrington's
masterpiece, he settled this matter with his friends before he
went to Barbados, and by every packett and all other opertunetys
they have communicated their thoughts to each other, when
they dispaired of getting any advantage off me by my misbehaving myselfe in the Post I am in; they therefore put the
Assembly uppon desireing such Laws wch. if I past, I should
incurr the Queen and yr. Ldpps. disfavour, and if I did not
pass them, I should be paid no House rent, and the people
told I was going to take away their previleges: they went so
farr as to send me a message that they would pass no law
except I would lett their Speaker have the negative voice, wch.
if I had granted, I ought to have been hanged. There are
but three people are the chief actors, the first is one Mr.
Perrie, who is Commissioner for the 4½ p.c., he and his brother
John Perrie, who is in London, were raised by Col. Codrington's
father, I had also the misfortune to disoblige Mr. Ed. Perrie
because I would not displace the Collector, who is an honest
man, to put in his kindsman, who has not that charecter.
The second is Mr. Tankard, yt. was of the Council, he is to
be Lt. Governor if Codrington comes back Genll. The third is
Coll. Will. Thomas, who Mr. Baron made his Attorny to sue
Coll. Codrington, and had all the encouragement possible from
me to do it, he has now accomadated wth. Col. Codrington,
and has never so much as sued him, he is to be Treasurer.
Your Lordshipps may see by this how hard it is for anyone
in England to gett justice done them here. Mr. Baron in allmost
six years has not been able to procure any one to sue for him;
I shall not trouble your Ldpps. wth. makeing any other observations on the Minuts, when they have been read if your Ldpps.
will communicate to me where I have acted amiss, I shall
readely obey your Ldpps.' orders in amending for the future
what falce stepps your Ldpps. may think I have made; I have
allwais according to my Instructions acted no one thing without
the Council, not so much as a decree in Chancery but has
gone as they have advised me. When I writ to your Ldpps.
that I thought vessells ought not to be seized uppon every
trifling occasion, I did not think I should be so misunderstood
as yt. I would not seize notorious illegall traders; for I have
orderd two slupes to be seised for bringing Hollands etc. from
Curacoa, both belonging to Mr. Ed. Chester, for wch. he has
declaired he would be content to ley seven years in Hell to
be revenged on me, therefore I have no doubt but his brother,
Mr. Robt. Chester, will at yr. Lordshipps' board appear very
zealous against me; Uppon a fair hearing I have no doubt
but to appear very innocent as to any crime they or any
others can charge me with; 'tis very true that the best of
actions may be sett in an ill light, and 'tis an easy matter
to rais a claymour against the best of men; I am very sure
to make it appear uppon a fair tryall that I have not done
any one thing but what I am warranted eighther by my Instructions or the Laws of the Islands. Tho' after the petition
of Mrs Bowden (that notorious woman) what may I not expect
(?), all that ever I had to do with her was so publickly
in the face of the sun that she of all people I thought [she]
would have said all manner of good things of me. I had
nothing of her but what I bought very dear, being vallued by
her own friends at her request and before the best people
of the Island; I gave her bills of Exchange and took her
receipt in full of all demands, and after this to put up a
petetion to the Queen that I had cheated her of a vast sume,
four times more than ever she was worth; all that ever I
had of her she shall have for the same mony I gave her
whenever she pleases. I am told her brother, Coll. Lillingston,
was the auther of it, in hopes to gett my post, wch. with
his Regiment would have prevailed with him to come to the
West Indias, others tell me she did it to make people believe
she had an estate here in hopes to draw in some rich widdower,
I know not the true reason, but sure I am there never was
so scandelous a petition given to a Crownd head that had no
truth in it. I have sent to my Agent Mr. Perry all the
proceedings I had with her, and the deposetions to the truth
of it, wch. he will lay before your Lordshipps, wch. I hope
may justifie me before the Queen and Council and your Ldpps.
I think myselfe obliged to sett Mr. Crabb right with your
Ldpps.; I was myselfe a stranger to him and his charecter
was given me by those yt. wished him ill. I find him to
be an honest Gent. and one that has a good estate. Signed,
Daniel Parke. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25, Read Dec. 7, 1708.
4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
117. i. Copy of a Bill of Antigua, for ascertaining the elections and privileges of the Assembly, referred to in
preceding. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 25, 1708. 3¼ pp. |
|
117. ii. Copy of above Bill as amended by the Governor and
Council. Same endorsement. 2¼ pp. |
|
117. iii. Amendments of the Governor and Council of Antigua
to above Bill. Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
|
117. iv. Copy of an Agreement between Governor Parke and
Mrs. Bowden for the purchase of her negroes etc. in
St. Kitts, Sept. 5, 1706, with her receipt, and affidavits
of Michael Lambert, Hen. Burrell, Stephen Payne,
James Rawleigh, and Caleb Rawleigh relating thereto.
Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 23, Read Dec. 8, 1708. 5 pp.
[C.O. 152, 8. Nos. 1, 1.i.–iv.; and (without enclosures) 153, 10. pp. 240–245.] |
Aug. 26
Custom-house, London. |
118. Mr. Savage to Mr. Popple. Desires copies of letters
from Lord Bellomont, 1700, and affidavits by Messrs. Usher,
Brid(g)er, and Wiberd (1702–3) relating to Mr. Partridge and
the export of timber from New Hampshire to Portugal and
Spain. Signed, Richd. Savage. Endorsed, Recd. 27 Aug.,
Read Oct. 26, 1708. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
118. i., ii. Memoranda of documents required in above. 2
pp. [C.O. 5, 864. Nos. 238, 238. i., ii.] |
Aug. 26.
Custom-house, London. |
119. Mr. Savage to Mr. Popple. The Commissioner of the
Customs have, pursuant to the directions of the Lord High
Treasurer, appointed Mr. Archbold Cummings an officer in Newfoundland to prevent illegall trade there. And when a Court
of Admiralty shall be erected there, and some fitt and able
person impowerd to hear and determine causes on informations
of seizure pursuant to the severall Acts of Trade, they will send
him their Commission and Instructions. Signed. Richd. Savage.
Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 27, Read Oct. 26, 1708. ¾ p. [C.O. 194,
4. No. 75: and 195, 5. pp. 59, 60.] |
| Aug. 28. |
120. Receipts of Mr. Popple (Aug. 28) and Josuah de
Kocherthal for £10, and of Herman Schuneman, Sept. 1st for
£20, on account of the German Refugees. (cf. July 4.) etc.
Copies. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1049. No. 94.] |
Aug. 28.
Windsor. |
121. H.M. Warrant for Wm. Bird to be of the Council of
Virginia. Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 114.] |
Aug. 28.
Windsor. |
122. H.M. Warrant for John Peeke to be of the Council of
Jamaica. Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 114.] |
| Aug. 30. |
123. Col. Romer to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Reply to Aug. 17th etc. When I was taken by privateers and
carried into France, I flung overboard my draughts, papers
and schemes, (of mine above nine years service). I know
no new Castle, or a new one to be built, but Fort Wm. and
Mary. It's true I once propos'd att Little Harbour a strong
stone redoubt, etc. I am humbly of opinion that Fort Wm.
and Mary should first be finish'd, because the greatest part of
material are to that end left there at hand, and might have
been donn then for £100 upon such dispositions as the Assembly
had made, wch. was that the Militia was to worck twelve dayes
by turnes for their victuals only, and whereas the Governour
would by no means give me leave to do it, because I was
reliv'd by Capt. Redknap, and likewise by an excuse that there
was no money in ye Treasury, neither was there any to be
risen, wherefore I offer'd to do it out of my own estate, but
could not prevail with the Governour. I realy think it of
the highest necessity that Fort William and Mary should be
finish'd according to my designs and profils, wch. I sett forth
and left behind me, and so donn, they would not be expos'd
as they are now, because the fishermen in going with their
shalops to sea, and in returning home, lay under the rocks
of the Fort, go on shoare, steal the aprons of the guns, so
likewise an enemy may come and pin up all the guns, wch.
would be of dangerous consequence, they likewise neglect to
lay the chevoux de frises order'd in case of surprise, and to
finish them as they are begon. There is no regular centinell
sett out, haveing only an allowance of four ordnary men for
the whole garison, and in my time upon application made to
ye Governour there was order'd for a few dayes 16 men in
time of some danger, then did the People universaly complain
(without consideration) of the hardship, wch. occasion'd their
being drawn off, and the fort was againe guarded as before
by 4 decrepid men, and those seldom on their duty as they
should be, etc. The powder demanded seems to me extraordinary
and surprising, unless they intend to merchandize therewith,
because I am certain the powder-house will not contain that
quantity, and I cannot imagine what use they can make of
so much powder, when I consider what quantity they receive
yearly from the shippin wch. comes to the Province etc. What
further is demanded, I must confess that H.M. Garisons have
no occasion for such a quantity etc. Proposes necessary stores.
Set out, Acts of Privy Council, II. pp. 573, 574. Concerning
the money part, I know ye Province is poor, and I belive
that without H.M. assistance the fort Wm. and Mary will not
be finish'd etc. A boat for H.M. Collector is highly necessary.
The fort, barracks, guard-house, officers' house centry boxes
and necessary house may be finish'd for £200 sterl. etc. Signed,
Wolfgang W. Römer. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 31, Read Oct. 26,
1708. 5 pp. Enclosed, |
|
123. i. List of guns and stores required for New Hampshire.
2 pp. |
|
123. ii. List of Stores of War at Fort William and Mary and
Newcastle, Sept. 29, 1707. Signed, Shadrach Walton,
Capt. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 864. Nos. 239, 239. i.–ii.] |
Aug. 30.
Barbados. |
124. Governor Crowe to Tho. Hopkins. I have not been
honoured with any of yours since my last of May 19; by
the Lucitania Capt. Wentworth I have sent in a casque directed
to Mr. Tryon two dozen of citron water, which he will take
care to deliver, and I humbly begg your acceptance thereof.
I hear there is a long catalogue of complaints to goe home
against me this fleet. I hope they will make no impression on
my Lord Sunderland, untill I have an oppertunity of vindicateing myself, etc. Signed, M. Crowe. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 38.
No. 72.] |
Aug. 30.
Antigua. |
125. Col. Jones to [? the Earl of Sunderland]. Returns
thanks for recommending him for the command of Col. Lillingston's Regiment, etc. Signed, Ja. Jones. Endorsed, R. Nov.
25. 1 p. [C.O. 7, 1. No. 18.] |
